Geneva: The United Nations World Food Programme has warned that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is creating a growing hunger crisis that could affect millions of people far beyond the region. Rising fuel prices, disrupted trade routes, and shrinking humanitarian funding are increasing pressure on some of the world's most vulnerable populations, particularly in countries already struggling with poverty and food shortages.
According to the World Food Programme, the economic impact of the conflict involving Iran and the wider Middle East is being felt across several continents. The agency says higher energy costs and transport expenses are making it more difficult to deliver food aid to communities that depend on humanitarian assistance for survival.
Officials from the United Nations say the situation is especially worrying in countries such as Afghanistan and Somalia, where millions of people already face severe food insecurity. These nations rely heavily on imported food and fuel, making them particularly vulnerable to price increases caused by disruptions in global markets.
The World Food Programme estimates that more than 318 million people around the world are currently experiencing severe food insecurity. Humanitarian experts fear that continued instability in the Middle East could push millions more into hunger in the coming months.
In Afghanistan, the agency expects around 17.4 million people to face severe hunger during 2026. In Somalia, approximately 6.5 million people are projected to experience acute food insecurity. Aid officials warn that these numbers could rise significantly if fuel prices continue to increase and supply chains remain disrupted.
The conflict has also affected important maritime trade routes, including shipping lanes connected to the Strait of Hormuz. Any disruption in these routes can have global consequences because a large portion of the world's oil supplies passes through the area. Higher oil prices increase transportation costs, which eventually affect food prices and the cost of humanitarian operations.
United Nations officials stress that hunger crises are no longer isolated emergencies. In an interconnected global economy, conflicts in one region can quickly affect food supplies and living costs in countries thousands of kilometres away. Rising prices often hit poor families the hardest because they spend a larger share of their income on food and essential goods.
At the same time, humanitarian agencies are facing a serious funding challenge. The World Food Programme says contributions from donor countries have declined in recent years, forcing aid organisations to reduce assistance in some regions. Officials warn that without additional financial support, food distributions may be scaled back even further.
The situation is particularly concerning in Somalia, where aid groups are already reporting high levels of malnutrition among children. Nearly two million children are believed to be suffering from acute malnutrition, and humanitarian agencies fear conditions could worsen if funding shortages continue.
Beyond Afghanistan and Somalia, the United Nations has identified several other areas facing severe humanitarian pressures, including Sudan, Gaza, Yemen, Haiti, and parts of Lebanon. Many of these regions are dealing with a combination of conflict, economic hardship, displacement, and food shortages.
Humanitarian leaders are calling on the international community to increase support for relief efforts while also working toward diplomatic solutions that can reduce tensions and restore stability. They argue that preventing hunger requires not only emergency aid but also efforts to address the underlying causes of conflict and economic disruption.
As fighting continues and global markets remain uncertain, aid agencies warn that the number of people facing hunger could rise further. The United Nations says urgent action is needed to prevent a worsening humanitarian crisis that could affect millions of lives across the world.